Field Trips

Zoo Field Trip
First hand experiences like getting nose to nose with a tiger, crawling through tunnels like a prairie dog, and listening to the lions roar will spark a world of wonderment.

Schedule Your Field Trip
The Zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., May through September and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., October through April.

To reserve your field trip date it is required that you REGISTER ONLINE. Your registration may take between 7 and 10 days to be processed. You will receive a confirmation package via email when your registration is completed. For questions please call 515-974-2588.

Reservations are required! The Zoo is a popular destination, so space is limited. To ensure the date of your choice, please reserve as soon as possible.

Show and Tell Education Programs
Don't forget to add a Show and Tell Education Program to enhance your field trip! One of our educators will bring four animal friends for a special 30 minute presentation just for your group. Guests will get an up close introduction to some exotic zoo friends and get to touch most or all of the animals at the presentation. Cost of Show and Tells are $45 for up to 50 people.

Lunch
Picnic tables are located in Blank Park, just north of the Zoo entrance. Please do not bring lunches into the zoo.

To help you plan for your trip, a confirmation packet will be sent including zoo rules, an admission form, and a Tracks To The Zoo guide.

Middle School Cross-Curricular Programs
Call the Education Office to learn about cross-curricular activities students can participate in at the zoo. Choose from activities in science, math, language arts, and social studies. Work with zoo educators to customize your trip and match activities to local district standards.